The objective of best mine rehabilitation practice is to create a stable,
near-natural ecosystem that requires no management inputs additional
to those in operation prior to mining. One objective of this program
is to investigate the physical, chemical and biological processes and
their interactions that create robust sustainable ecosystems. Although
the main focus is on native ecosystems, research to develop sustainable
productive systems, such as agriculture and forestry, is undertaken.
This involves developing an understanding of -
- chemical, physical
and biological processes that act in concert to develop stable and
desirable soil profile characteristics;
- the hydrological
processes within rehabilitated land in relation to the water requirements
of evolving plant communities;
- the plant nutrient
requirements of plant communities and species with an emphasis on
the role of microorganisms in providing and cycling nutrients; and
- the reproductive
biology of flora so that plant establishment and management of land
promotes the long-term viability of desirable species.
A second objective
of this program is to develop cultural practices and sowing protocols
to maximise seedling establishment and growth among both upperstorey
and understorey species; determine the appropriate mix of species, and
their establishment requirements, necessary to create ecosystems that
will facilitate and/or encourage habitation of the reconstructed sites
by fauna species; and develop ecosystems that, through their diversity
and structural composition, will have both resistance and resilience
to the impact of major disturbances such as fire and drought.
Optimising
Storage, Quality and Germination of Australian Native Plant Species
Development
of Rehabilitation Completion Criteria for Native Ecosystem Establishment
on Coal Mines in the Hunter Valley
